First Drive: 2018 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2018 Chrevrolet Traverse is powered by its 3.6-litre V6 engine which generates up to 310 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. (LUCAS SCARFONE)

HILLSBOROUGH, N.B. — As consumers flee cars and rush headlong into utility vehicles, car companies are doing their utmost to ensure they have something for them. Chevrolet, for example, has five utility vehicles in its fleet ranging from the diminutive Trax to the big Suburban.

To ensure Joe or Jane Consumer has plenty of choice, the 2018 Traverse comes in LS, LT, RS, Premier and High Country trim levels ranging in price from $35,00 to $59,000.

The RS and High Country trims are new, one on the sportier side and the other for those who want, and can afford, premium everything. The new Traverse can be had in two or three row configurations, front- or all-wheel drive and with four or six-cylinder motivation. There is something for almost everyone.

The 2018 Traverse, now available at your local Chevrolet store, is wrapped in attractive new clothes. The look is much more upscale, less truck and more style. The general appearance is akin to its larger Tahoe and Suburban siblings.

Compared to the outgoing model, the wheelbase has increased by 5.0 cm, but overall length is up only 1.5 cm. Both width and height remain practically unchanged.

In addition to looking better, the new Traverse has lost weight, about 150 kilos of it. While weight has gone down, cargo and passenger space, especially in the second and third rows, has increased.

The standard powertrain consist of 3.6-litre V6 producing 310-horsepower, coupled to a nine-speed automatic driving the front wheels in the lower trim levels and all four wheels on others, through one of two all-wheel-drive systems.

A 255-horsepower, four-cylinder engine is standard on the RS model with the same transmission, but with front wheel drive only. All V6-equipped models carry a 5,000-lb. tow rating.

That RS comes with numerous unique trim touches and is expected to be popular in urban areas where fuel mileage is a higher priority than all-wheel-drive. It is expected to account for less than five per cent of total sales. A diesel may be on the way as well, judging from the sound from at least one of the support vehicles.

The design team’s work is evident not only in the exterior, but inside as well, where everything from seats to the instrument panel have come in for a thorough makeover.

Not only is the new design fresh and more upscale, the choice of materials and manner in which they have been utilized shows great attention to detail.

Technology is at the forefront with a standard MyLink system that includes an 18-cm touch-screen on the base model and 20-cm screen on all others.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard as is a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot with connectivity for up to seven devices. Depending on trim level, there are up to seven USB ports.

Parents will appreciate the new second row seats. They slide forward and tilt for better access to the third row and do so without having to remove a child seat.

GM says the new Traverse has best-in-class interior volume, cargo volume and third row legroom. The second and third row seats fold all the way down to allow a flat floor and a four-foot sheet will fit between the wheel wells.

There are more than a dozen useful storage spaces, including one hidden behind the display screen, a massive one under the cargo floor and one in the centre console large enough to hide a laptop.